Department of Software Science

The research groups of Software Science Department recruit around 10 PhD students per year who join the Information and Communication Technology Doctoral Programme (IAXD22). The nominal time for completing the doctoral programme is 4 years, which consists of doctoral studies and research, development and creative activities related to the doctoral thesis. 

Doctoral students of Software Science Department do research in their supervisor's research group as Early Stage Researchers or solve research and development problems of a company or institution as industrial doctoral students (learn more about forms of doctoral studies at TalTech). Currently (May, 2024), the Department 's supervisors have  54 doctoral students, including 49 Early Stage Researcher, 3 Industrial Doctoral Students and 2 Doctoral Student. The community of doctoral students studying at the Software Science Department is international, doctoral students come to us from very different parts of the world. 

Our supervisors support and guide the doctoral student from the preparation of the action plan up to submission of the thesis. Check out what topics are covered by doctoral theses defended at the Software Science Department. 

Doctoral students get employed as full-time Early Stage Researchers, which grants the PhD student social guarantees, official (paid) holiday period and guarantees a minimum gross salary of EUR 2300.

THE MAIN STAGES OF COMPLETING THE DOCTORAL STUDY PROGRAMME 

• Submission of the doctoral student's action plan - the doctoral student submits the title of the topic of the doctoral thesis, the research plan for the period of doctoral studies, an overview of the literature, a report on the implementation of the action plan. 
• Attestations - once a year, the doctoral student gives an oral presentation including a substantive summary of the research done during the previous year, an overview of published papers and the action plan for the next year. The doctoral student's progress in his or her studies and research is evaluated, including feedback on the quality and content of the research work performed. 
• Publication of research papers, with at least three, including a journal publication, required in order to graduate.
• Teaching activities - during doctoral studies, the doctoral student participates in teaching activities, which can be, for example, conducting practice and exercise classes or supervising bachelor's theses, master's theses, and course projects.

TALTECH VALUES ITS PHD STUDENTS 

• Thoroughly thought-out Doctoral Studies Regulations.
• TalTech International Staff Centre provides guidance with topics related to settling in Estonia.
• Provides funding for the doctoral student during the nominal period of the doctoral studies.
• The doctoral student is a member of our team and is invited to be part of events both within the research group and department-wise. 
• Doctoral students can have a say in the management of the Department by communicating their opinions and ideas through a representative of their choice, who is member of the Department's council.
• In the TalTech campus, you will find all the essentials within your reach: TalTech Library, accommodation in TalTech Dormitories, TalTech Sports Club, several lunch places, TalTech Mektory Innovation an Business Center, Tehnopol Tallinn Science Park, good transportation connections with different parts of the city, the beautiful natural environment of the campus, which borders the Nõmme-Mustamäe nature reserve. 

A VERSATILE COUNTRY IN WHICH LIVE DURING YOUR STUDIES 

Estonian people have many innovative and world-changing ideas, which are cultivated in a vibrant startup community. Estonians have built a functioning digital society, which we are very proud of and we are happy to share our experiences: 

• Estonia — Estonia is a place for independent minds 
• Study / Study in Estonia 
• Startup Estonia community 
• Facts & figures - e-Estonia 

Everything mentioned above is kept in balance by the versatile natural environment. Estonia has four distinct and very different seasons, magical bogs and plenty of forest greenery. Nature and species richness in the the urban space are also very important for Estonians. Our compact and green capital is an exciting mix of old and new. The pearl of the capital is the Old Town of Tallinn that is included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. Learn more: 

• Reasons to visit Estonia | Visit Estonia 
• Visit Tallinn - the capital's official tourist information 
• Genuine and lively Estonian rural architecture and traditional way of life
• A meeting place for thoughtful young people: Telliskivi Creative City 
• 40 things to do during Estonia's black nights 

DOCTORAL STUDIES ADMISSION INFORMATION 

• General information on applying for a doctoral program (step-by-step application guide) 
• Admission schedule for academic year 2024/2025, but in agreement with the supervisor, admission can take place all year round 
• Available PhD Positions